The Badin Villager is a free monthly newsletter available on the first of the month at the Badin Post Office, the Badin Town Hall, the Badin Library and West Badin Community Center. It is also published online at www.visitbadin.com. For more information contact info@visitbadin.com

My Christmas memories begin with that giant tree in the middle of downtown, a towering and fragrant cedar covered in hundreds of round colored lights, plain sky at the top, plain earth at the bottom.  Strings of more colored lights led across the street to the old Badin Theater, to the corner library, and the corner of the old bandstand.  And that was enough to put magic in my heart, no elves, no stars, no prancing reindeer, not even one garish grinning Santa.  Just the one big tree of lights, the few adjoining strings.  Seems it didn’t take so much in those days. Which were also the days of World War II, blackouts and rationings and modest simple gifts.  The year I found General MacArthur under my tree.  Full dress uniform, stiff brim to his cap, frowning face, he was not a doll to cuddle in a little girl’s arms, so I never tried.  I don’t know what became of General MacArthur, but I wish I had him now, glum as he was.  He’d surely make it to Antiques Roadshow. Those were the times I could say things by heart for the Badin Methodist Church Christmas programs.  I could rattle off my piece cute as a parrot:  What can I give Him?  I can give Him my heart! After we children said our pieces and sang our carols, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, Mr. Ralph Bisel, a short and pleasant gentleman with black-rimmed spectacles, dressed as Santa, belly-laughed his way in and gave us little boxes of hard candy.  Among the jawbreakers and peppermints, I found candy animals, bright green fish and golden camels.  Imagine!  Fish and camels shiny as jewels.  They tasted more green and more golden than it seemed possible.  Even today the words, Christmas tree, fish, camel, bring a slight salivary tingle and I taste their magic all over again. I’ve never found candy again in the shapes of fish and camels.  The giant cedar tree is gone from downtown Badin.  General MacArthur and Mr. Ralph Bisel are both dead.  And I, as a cozy old grandmother, hope my grandchildren will read these memories some day and taste the same magic I did.

Writer Heather Ross Miller is a Badin native and author of many novels that feature Badin.

Badin Inn Porch

Every Friday evening throughout the year the Badin Inn plays host to a variety of local music groups for Pickin’ on the Porch. From bluegrass to blues, from country to rock and roll, there’s something for every taste. Well…you Beethoven and opera fans may have to start your own pickin’ event. The entertainment starts at 7 PM and continues until 9 PM and is free and open to the public. In the warm months guests sit on the porch, mingle on the breezeway and pull their chairs around the putting green. When the air gets chilly, the porch is ’winterized’ with translucent panels and heaters, making it cozy and warm yet open to the rolling fairways of the golf course. Everyone is welcome and there’s no obligation, but should hunger pangs strike there are always dinner specials concocted by Chef Chris especially for Friday nights. A fully stocked bar serves everything from coke to champagne. Plans are underway for a more family oriented Saturday night Pickin’ on the Porch with video games for the children so that parents can enjoy the music in peace. To be sure of keeping informed of all the Badin Inn events go to www.badininn.com and register to receive emails. There’ll be an invitation to the Inn’s Christmas party, news about the New Year’s Eve festivities and a listing of the music groups and dinner specials. Badin Inn has an extensive membership in Stanly County and the neighboring counties, but the Inn is open to the public and especially welcomes Badin residents. “This is the town’s Inn,” says manager David Harris. “We love to see Badin residents enjoying what we have to offer.” www.badininn.com Tel: 704-422-3683

The Sunshine Club

Badin’s inter-denominational seniors club announces new meeting days for the coming year: 10:30 A.M. on the second Tuesday of November and December, and the fourth Tuesday of the month from January to October. Bring a covered dish, one dollar and a friend and enjoy the programs and fellowship of this cheerful group. Badin Garden Club

Given Badin’s many gardens and gardeners, it’s time to restart a Badin Garden Club. Call 704-422-3873 if you are interested in joining. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 6 PM at the Badin Inn. Badin Video A promotional video of Badin can be viewed at www.visitbadin.com. The video was made possible by a grant from the Alcoa Foundation and produced by John Westbrook of JS Media1. School Calendar 01/17/11 Holiday 01/20-21/11 Professional Days 02/14/11 Professional Day 04/1/11 Professional Day 04/22/11 Holiday 04/25-29/11 Vacation 05/30/11 Holiday 06/09/11 Last Day